Halo 5 – VG247http://www.vg247.com
VG247.comFri, 09 Dec 2016 16:15:23 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.3Xbox users have spent over 100.5 billion hours playing games since original console debuted 15 years agohttp://www.vg247.com/2016/11/16/xbox-users-have-spent-over-100-5-billion-hours-playing-games-since-original-console-debuted-15-years-ago/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/11/16/xbox-users-have-spent-over-100-5-billion-hours-playing-games-since-original-console-debuted-15-years-ago/#respondWed, 16 Nov 2016 14:32:44 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=608556The Xbox brand celebrated its 15th Anniversary yesterday, and the consoles have racked up some interesting stats since the original debuted on November 15, 2001.

The stats Microsoft posted, and inserted below for your perusal, cover numbers of players to number of Xbox Live friends added. Numbers range from hundreds of millions to hundreds of billions.

Number of players: 222,468,423

Number of total gaming hours: 100,539,390,670

Number of total multiplayer hours: 29,000,304,183

Number of Achievements unlocked: 32,667,582,157

Gamerscore racked up: 572,605,554,587

Highest Gamerscore: 1,416,465

Number of Xbox Live friendships made: 4,233,891,482

Because of the original Xbox console, players all over the world have various entries in the Halo and Forza franchises to enjoy, and the developers of both series are participating in the 15th Anniversary celebration.

The Forza team is gifting a 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor with a custom anniversary livery to all Forza players. Those who are Forza Horizon 3 VIPs will receive a bonus truck with an alternative Xbox 15th Anniversary livery as well.

Two Rivals events will be created with one each for Forza Motorsport 6 and Forza Horizon 3. There will also be a Bucket List Challenge in Forza Horizon 3 which players will find when they travel to the Pink Lakes Bucket List point in the game.

Halo 5: Guardians players who log into the game now through November 22 at 10am PT/1pm ET/6pm UK will receive a free 15th Anniversary REQ Pack. It contains consumable items for use in Warzone modes and the Mark IV Gen 1 armor set, worn by Spartan IIs during the Covenant War.

The studio also released a teaser for the next content update coming to Halo 5, as you see above.

For more information on the 15th Anniversary celebrations, be sure to hit up the link.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/11/16/xbox-users-have-spent-over-100-5-billion-hours-playing-games-since-original-console-debuted-15-years-ago/feed/0Halo livestream to be held next week to celebrate the franchise’s 15th Anniversaryhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/11/12/halo-livestream-to-be-held-next-week-to-celebrate-the-franchises-15th-anniversary/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/11/12/halo-livestream-to-be-held-next-week-to-celebrate-the-franchises-15th-anniversary/#respondSat, 12 Nov 2016 19:22:57 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=607997The Halo series will be turning 15 soon, and developer 343 Industries will host a special livestream celebrating the franchise’s anniversary next week.

The video posted above provides quick tease of what to expect, and if you head over to Halo Waypoint you can find out more information on the upcoming celebrations.

The livestream will be held on Tuesday, November 15 and the studio said it is working on some “cool things” to celebrate the milestone.

It will kick off at 3:43 pm PST/6:43 pm ET/11:43 pm UK.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/11/12/halo-livestream-to-be-held-next-week-to-celebrate-the-franchises-15th-anniversary/feed/0Celebrate Halo 5’s first anniversary with a free REQ Pack when you log-in todayhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/10/28/celebrate-halo-5s-first-anniversary-with-a-free-req-pack-when-you-log-in-today/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/10/28/celebrate-halo-5s-first-anniversary-with-a-free-req-pack-when-you-log-in-today/#respondFri, 28 Oct 2016 12:58:11 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=606034It’s been one year since the release of Halo 5: Guardians.

Halo 5 released just over one year ago. Developer 343 Industries wrote a message on a the game’s blog to recap some of the biggest events that took place since then.

That includes the release of nine post-launch patches, which added six new modes, 15 multiplayer maps, extra REQ items and more.

As a way of helping everyone celebrate, if you log into the game today, you’ll receive the Greatest Hits customisation REQ Pack for free.

The post also teased some of the features coming to the game soon that’re in development now, such as the ability to browse and join live custom games on Xbox One and Windows 10, the addition of more maps into the Warzone Firefight rotation, a better spectator experience, new Forage canvases, and more.

The studio is also working on matchmaking and server improvements, and promised to talk about them in the near future.

as the headline states, Windows 10 Anniversary Edition is a requirement. Thanks, Blue.

Halo 5: Forge PC Specs

Minimum

OS: Windows 10 Anniversary Edition Version 1607 or later

DirectX: DirectX 12

CPU: Intel Core i5 at 2.3Ghz or AMD Equivalent

GPU: GeForce 650 Ti

VRAM: 2GB

RAM: 8GB

HDD: 40GB

Reccomended – 1080P@60FPS

OS: Windows 10 Anniversary Edition Version 1607 or later

DirectX: DirectX 12

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K at 3.4GHz or AMD Equivalent

GPU: GeForce GTX 970

VRAM: 4GB

RAM: 12GB

HDD: 40GB

Ultra – 4K@60FPS

OS: Windows 10 Anniversary Edition Version 1607 or later

DirectX: DirectX 12

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K at 3.4GHz or AMD Equivalent

GPU: GeForce 980 Ti

VRAM: 6GB

RAM: 16GB

HDD: 40GB

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/08/27/halo-5-forge-pc-specs-note-windows-10-anniversary-edition-is-a-requirement/feed/0Both Halo 5: Forge for Windows 10 and Halo 5: Guardians – Anvil’s Legacy have a release datehttp://www.vg247.com/2016/08/24/both-halo-5-forge-for-windows-10-and-halo-5-guardians-anvils-legacy-have-a-release-date/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/08/24/both-halo-5-forge-for-windows-10-and-halo-5-guardians-anvils-legacy-have-a-release-date/#respondWed, 24 Aug 2016 16:37:09 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=598208Microsoft and 343 Industries have announced the next free content update for Halo 5: Guardians and the Windows 10 version of Halo 5: Forge will release on the same day.

Announced in May for Windows 10, the Forge level-creation feature for Halo 5 will be released on September 8. It supports higher-resolution displays such as 4k along with the ability to host and play custom matches for up to 16 players alongside a new content browser “that spans platforms.”

Creators will be able to download levels from the Forge community created on both Windows 10 PC and Xbox One. They can then customize or build their very own from scratch.

On the same day, the ninth free content update for Halo 5: Guardians, Anvil’s Legacy, will be released. It will also include updates to Forge mode on console along with two new maps, three new weapons, Sound Dampener attachments, REQ to collect, armor and weapons skins, other customization options and more.

It also includes in the new content browser which makes it easier to search for and access user-created Forge content made on either platform.

Mercy is a new Arena multiplayer map while Temple boasts a “large-scale battleground built with Warzone Assault mode in mind.”

Again, Halo 5: Forge and the Anvil’s Legacy content update for Halo 5 will both arrive on September 8.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/08/24/both-halo-5-forge-for-windows-10-and-halo-5-guardians-anvils-legacy-have-a-release-date/feed/0Xbox One S Halo Collection and Madden 17 bundles up for pre-order, out next monthhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/07/26/xbox-one-s-halo-collection-and-madden-17-bundles-up-for-pre-order-out-next-month/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/07/26/xbox-one-s-halo-collection-and-madden-17-bundles-up-for-pre-order-out-next-month/#respondTue, 26 Jul 2016 13:58:01 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=594163The Xbox One S Halo Bundle which leaked earlier this month is now official.

It contains both Halo 5: Guardians and Halo: The Master Chief Collection in 500GB or 1TB Xbox One S models.

Each sku contains a white console with matching Xbox Wireless Controller and will be made available at participating retailers and through the Microsoft Store for $299 and $349, respectively.

You can pre-order it now in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Microsoft said it will have more to share on Xbox One S 500GB and 1TB bundles in additional markets next month, which we assume means during gamescom 2016.

In the US, the 1TB hard drive option will available in “very limited quantities” at select Microsoft Stores and through the Microsoft Store website.

Along with the aforementioned offer, a 1TB Madden NFL 17 Xbox One S Bundle was announced for the US and Canada. A digital key for the game is included along with seven Madden Ultimate Team Pro Packs and one month of EA Access for $349/$449 CAD.

Pre-orders are open now, and it’s worth noting that GameStop stores in the US will contain a physical copy of Madden NFL 17 instead of a digital code.

The Xbox One S Halo Collection Bundle and the Madden NFL Bundle will be released on August 23.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/07/26/xbox-one-s-halo-collection-and-madden-17-bundles-up-for-pre-order-out-next-month/feed/0Gears of War 4 Limited Edition Xbox One S bundle leaked – rumorhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/07/13/gears-of-war-4-limited-edition-xbox-one-s-bundle-leaked/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/07/13/gears-of-war-4-limited-edition-xbox-one-s-bundle-leaked/#respondWed, 13 Jul 2016 15:34:19 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=592373Those ready to make the jump to Xbox One S will have at least two game-specific bundles to choose from if these reported leaks are any indication.

The first one is a blood-red console which comes with a Play Anywhere download code for Gears of War 4: Ultimate Edition. The limited edition is said to run $449 and comes with a 2TB hard-drive – with price subject to change.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/07/01/xbox-ultimate-game-sale-starts-on-july-5-sneak-peek-coming-july-3/feed/0Halo 5: Warzone Firefight out June 29, game will be free to play that weekendhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/06/23/halo-5-guardians-warzone-firefight-out-june-29-and-halo-5-will-be-free-to-play/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/06/23/halo-5-guardians-warzone-firefight-out-june-29-and-halo-5-will-be-free-to-play/#respondThu, 23 Jun 2016 16:50:20 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=589995Th eighth content release for Halo 5: Guardians will arrive next week on June 29.

The latest free update, Warzone Firefight, is being called the “biggest expansion” to the game by 343 Industries.

To celebrate, Halo 5 will be available to download and play for free to all Xbox Live Gold members June 29-July 5 as part of the next Xbox Live “Free Play Days” program.

Halo 5 will also be on sale for 50% for the duration of the free weekend.

Here’s what is included in Warzone Firefight:

New Game Mode – Warzone Firefight: Warzone Firefight is, by far, the biggest content release since the launch of Halo 5: Guardians! As a result of the beta in April, 343 Industries has taken player feedback to improve the game mode for launch, such as increasing the difficulty each round and adding brand new bosses and vehicles – including the hilarious (and deadly) Grunt Goblin boss and the powerful UNSC VTOL, AV-49 Wasp, deployable as a REQ vehicle in all Warzone modes and available to use in Forge.

New Campaign Feature – Score Attack: As detailed on Halo Waypoint, the Warzone Firefight content release will include a new way to play Halo 5: Guardians’ campaign – Score Attack! Campaign scoring makes a return to Halo 5: Guardians, enabling players to compete against their friends for points and medals in online co-op play or solo. Remember – in Score Attack, the points do matter so be sure to defeat enemies with style and flourish!

New Maps – Attack on Sanctum, Prospect and Molten: The free Warzone Firefight release brings three new maps across multiple game modes: Attack on Sanctum, Prospect and Molten. In the Attack on Sanctum map for Warzone, revisit the Covenant homeworld of Sanghelios, or take it to the rocky roads of Prospect for Warzone Assault. For Arena players, Molten will be a hot new Arena map – be sure not to fall into the stream of lava!

New Forge Canvas – Tidal: Since the release of a new super-charged Forge mode for Halo 5: Guardians in December, Forgers have been hard at work creating some of the most unique, creative and innovative maps ever seen in Halo. The Warzone Firefight release brings a fan-requested canvas, the ocean-themed Tidal. No longer will players have to struggle to find water to Forge on – it’s literally everywhere on Tidal!

Halo 5’s Forge will release for Windows 10 PC later this year

It will be a free download and will come with the following new features designed “specifically with PC users” in mind:

Keyboard & Mouse Support – For the first time ever, Forgers will have the option of using a keyboard & mouse allowing for more precision and control than ever before.

Increased Resolution – Support for multiple resolutions including 4k.

Test and Play with Friends – Enlist the help of Friends to help build, test, and play your Forge creations on Windows 10.

Build on Windows 10 and Publish to Xbox One – Experiences built on Windows 10 can be published to and played on Xbox One, opening the doors for countless new experiences to be enjoyed by players all over the world.

343 Industries said it will have more to share on Forge for Windows 10 PC in the coming months along with information on new environments, advanced file sharing capabilities, new pieces, palettes, props, and more for the Xbox One version.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/05/19/halo-5s-forge-will-release-for-windows-10-pc-later-this-year/feed/0Halo 5 Memories of Reach update is out now – all the detailshttp://www.vg247.com/2016/05/13/halo-5-memories-of-reach-update-is-out-now-all-the-details/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/05/13/halo-5-memories-of-reach-update-is-out-now-all-the-details/#respondFri, 13 May 2016 07:51:57 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=582744Halo 5’s latest update and free DLC are here.

Halo 5 Memories of Reach update is out now – all the details

Halo 5 has received another big update/DLC with the release of Memories of Reach. The update went live overnight, clocking in at around 4.2 GB.

Memories of Reach brings a host of new features, as well as new content. Highlights include the addition of Infection mode, a new Arena map named Stasis, four new armour sets inspired by Reach’s Noble Team, and new matchmaking options.

343 has also made some upgrades to Silver and Gold REQ packs, this increases your chances of getting power weapon certifications, skins, armour sets, helmets, provided you don’t already have them. The third slot in these REQ packs was also upgraded to include emblems.

Take a look at the biggest changes below, and see Halo Waypoint for the full suite.

Fixed an issue that caused player properties to not be applied to players correctly.

Fixed a performance issue in Warzone caused by firing a Gungoose against a specific surface.

Brute Plasma Rifle added to Fiesta Classic.

Fixed a rare case that allowed a Spartan to spawn in the scope of an enemy sniper.

Reduced instances where players could spawn outside of the playable map area in Warzone.

Players can no longer knock teammates out of the REQ Terminal menus.

Fixed voice over for SPNKr and Weapon Pad events.

Public API: Fixed PlayerScore in MatchEnd telemetry.

Fixed an issue where audio didn’t play after finishing a Warzone match on Skirmish at Darkstar.

Round Based FFA modes now use total score to determine winners.

Custom Games Settings tweaks:

Players can now enable or disable weapon pickup in player traits.

Brute Plasma Rifle can now be selected as a loadout weapon.

Players can now adjust total rounds for magazine based loadout weapons.

Active Camo can now be set as a percentage instead of just on/off.

Moved Machinima Settings in the Custom Games UI to the General Settings submenu.

REQ system:

Increased value of Gold and Silver REQ Packs

First two slots no longer grant emblems, thus chances of receiving other permanent REQs such as power Weapon Certifications, Weapon Skins, Armors, and others has substantially improved if available.

Third slot now offers a large chance of awarding an emblem as well as a single use REQ

In general, the chance of dropping rarer single use REQs has increased.

Memories of Reach REQ pack available later today, for a limited time.

User interface:

Added Matchmaking Search Preferences: Screen capture.

Balanced (default): Search for a match based on your fireteam’s skill and network connection quality.

Expanded: Widen search parameters to find the first available match with reasonable skill matching and network connection quality.

Focused: Narrow search to find the best match based on your fireteam’s skill and connection. Search times may be longer than normal.

Added a new recap screen in the Carnage Report. This screen lists each player’s Medals, Tool of Destruction, who they killed the most, who killed them the most, and other match specific information. Access this screen by pushing “A” on a player while in the Carnage Report.

Fixed an issue with Van prop moving backwards when scripted to move forward; if you are experience problems with one placed in a level you will need to replace it with one from the level.

Improved magnets on the Car and Van props.

All rings now support tertiary.

Re-organized some of the decals to work fit in better with the new decals.

Slightly increased precision rotation speed to accommodate for the rotation of smaller objection.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/05/13/halo-5-memories-of-reach-update-is-out-now-all-the-details/feed/0Halo 5 – see the first Infection gameplay footagehttp://www.vg247.com/2016/05/10/halo-5-infection-gameplay-footage-changes/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/05/10/halo-5-infection-gameplay-footage-changes/#respondTue, 10 May 2016 10:23:48 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=582210Infection mode comes to Halo 5 with the next update. See how it plays.

Speaking to Game Informer, the studio explained some of the changes being made to make Infection in Halo 5 stand out from the rest, while retaining the mode’s original feel.

You’ll no longer have pistol starts, as the developer feels the current pistol is too strong for the mode, and could mean the first infected will have a much harder time singling out non-infected players. Instead, you’ll start with a shotgun. The usual aids available the infected still apply, and all settings can be changed in custom matches.

You can watch a couple of rounds from both perspectives in the video below, courtesy of Game Informer.

Ghosts of Meridian releases later this month.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/05/10/halo-5-infection-gameplay-footage-changes/feed/0Halo 5 Memories of Reach brings new matchmaking options, increases crouch movement speedhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/05/09/halo-5-memories-of-reach-brings-new-matchmaking-options-increases-crouch-movement-speed/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/05/09/halo-5-memories-of-reach-brings-new-matchmaking-options-increases-crouch-movement-speed/#respondMon, 09 May 2016 15:57:10 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=582074The full list of new content and changes coming to Halo 5 with the Memories of Reach update.

Memories of Reach, the upcoming free update for Halo 5, has been detailed in full.

Developer 343 talked a great deal about some of the key changes the update is making, as well as the full set of REQs in a new blog post. Memories of Reach is still without a solid release date, but it’s slated for release this month.

One of the biggest additions comes in the form of new matchmaking settings. These give players control over certain parameters when it comes to landing specific matches. The three new options are:

Balanced: search for a match based on your fireteam’s skill and network connection quality.

Expanded: widen search parameters to find the first available match with reasonable skill matching and network connection quality.

Focused: narrow search to find the best match based on your fireteam’s skill and connection. Search times may be longer than normal.

The post-game screen will also be expanded, showing an overview of all rewards earned during the match. The following details were added to the screen:

All Medals earned from the match, including quantity, medal rarity, and description

Tool of Destruction

Killed Most (see who each player killed most, and how many times)

Killed By (see who each player fell victim to the most, and how many times)

Press LB or RB to view Commendations or Progress from your Recap

Press LT or RT to view Recaps of other players from the match.

One other major change 343 is making to the game, is increasing the movement speed while crouched. It’s only a “slight increase,” according to the developer, and the decision was reached after months of testing. “This has been increased to allow for crouching to be a more viable choice for players to flank and attack,” explained the developer.

“The speed isn’t drastic, but after months of testing we’ve found it to be the sweet spot.”

A bug with the Spartan Charge ability was also fixed. Finally, 343 showed off the full suite of REQ items coming with Memories of Reach. As for the new Arena map, Stasis, it will be revealed during a livestream this Wednesday, May 11 at t 3pm PT.

Take a look at the full REQ release below:

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/05/09/halo-5-memories-of-reach-brings-new-matchmaking-options-increases-crouch-movement-speed/feed/0Halo 5 Memories of Reach screens show updated Noble Team armourhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/05/06/halo-5-memories-of-reach-screens-show-updated-noble-team-armour/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/05/06/halo-5-memories-of-reach-screens-show-updated-noble-team-armour/#respondFri, 06 May 2016 10:23:57 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=581737Take a look at some of the armour coming to Halo 5 with the Memories of Reach update.

Halo 5 Memories of Reach screens show updated Noble Team armour

Halo 5‘s upcoming Memories of Reach update will bring back Infection mode, add a new Arena map, and more.

As the name suggests, the update will be Reach-themed, and it has plenty of new REQs featuring Noble Team. These are Indomitable (Jorge), Wrath (Emile), Vigilant (Jun), and Intruder (Kat).

You can see their updated looks in Halo 5 in the gallery below, courtesy of Gamespot.

Memories of Reach is out later this month. More details about Memories of Reach will be revealed in a livestream next week.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/04/16/halo-5-warzone-firefight-beta-extended-xbox-one/feed/0Halo 5’s Warzone Firefight is getting a beta next weekhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/04/07/halo-5s-warzone-firefight-is-getting-a-beta-next-week/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/04/07/halo-5s-warzone-firefight-is-getting-a-beta-next-week/#respondThu, 07 Apr 2016 08:19:01 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=577440You won’t be waiting until later this year to get a taste of Halo 5’s Warzone Firefight.

Halo 5’s Warzone Firefight is getting a beta next week

Halo 5 developer 343 announced a few weeks ago it’s working on a co-op variant of Warzone called Warzone Firefight. At the time, the studio didn’t reveal a release date.

We still don’t know what it’s coming out, but there’s equally good news: a beta, and it’s starting soon.

Hidden in the big Ghosts of Meridian info page, the developer revealed that the beta for Warzone Firefight will start Thursday, April 14. It goes on until Monday, April 18, and it’s open to all Halo 5 players.

One map, Escape from A.R.C., will be available during the test, and up to eight players can join in a game. The match consists of five rounds, each with an objective that gets more challenging every round.

If you missed it, here’s an overview of the Ghosts of Meridian free update, which brought new maps, REQ cards, power weapons, armour, and more.

During a livestream last night, Halo 5 developer 343 revealed the final details of Ghosts of Meridian, the game’s upcoming content update.

The studio also took the time show a short teaser for a mode that’s sure to make long-time fans of the series happy, the return of Infection.

Infection is the zombie-themed multiplayer mode that has one player, as a zombie, going around trying to infect other players. The mode was pretty big in Halo 3 and Reach, and it’s one of the less serious takes on multiplayer.

343 did not say which upcoming update will include Infection, but judging from the studio’s usual tease/release schedule, we’re guessing it’s going to be in the Memories of Reach update, due after this month’s Ghosts of Meridian.

Here’s the teaser:

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/04/06/halo-5-guardians-infection-multiplayer-mode-teaser/feed/0This Halo 5 Forge creation features a massive, player controlled bosshttp://www.vg247.com/2016/04/05/this-halo-5-forge-creation-features-a-massive-player-controlled-boss/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/04/05/this-halo-5-forge-creation-features-a-massive-player-controlled-boss/#respondTue, 05 Apr 2016 20:12:15 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=577164In December, the Forge was released for Halo 5: Guardians allowing users to create their own maps and modes. Some really interesting content has come out thanks to fans, but this one kind of blew the cobwebs off our eyes.

Created by Xbox Live user TOKETAKE, Mitake Machine is a mini-game which plays like a boss battle. One player operates a massive machine while other players try to destroy the machine.

It’s worth noting that Mitake Machine is in the experimental stages, so expect to encounter framerate issues and lag with larger lobbies.

In order to disable and ultimately destroy the machine, there are power cores on the boss which need to be hit in order to cause damage. If players are able to blow up both cores on each arm, the machine’s visor will open allowing players to shoot the inside to blow of the final power core.

Once the final core is obliterated, the player controlling the machine will become easier to kill as they will descend onto the battlefield.

343 has revealed the new addition to the weekend playlist for Halo 5: Guardians. This time, it’s a Warzone variant called Warzone Turbo.

The fiesta-style mode sees your REQ reach level nine instantly, giving you access to your full deck of REQ cards. Energy regeneration is also near-instant, being activated as soon as you capture the home base.

Microsoft’s Phil Spencer spent a good portion of his time at the company’s Build conference yesterday hammering home the company’s commitment to PC gaming on Windows 10, promising features and talking up the UWP.

Forza 6: Apex was born from this strategy, and it also extends to all future Forza games, which will be released on PC and Xbox One. However, some titles will remain exclusive to some platforms.

Halo 5 is one of these, according to Spencer, who believes it was built from the ground up as a console experience.

“In terms of Halo FPS on PC, I think there’s a ton of opportunity for us right now, but I don’t want to get into a world where we’re looking back, like at Halo 5,” Spencer told the press.

“It doesn’t mean there’s nothing there that could ever end up on PC, but I’d much rather look forward with what our plans are.”

Spencer used the example of Halo Wars 2, the RTS in development at Creative Assembly, as a title that’s being worked on to fit each platform’s strengths from the ground up.

With that said, Microsoft doesn’t want to mandate that all games need to release on all platforms, as that road leads to compromises on both ends.

“I don’t want to make it some kind of artificial mandate, because then I think we end up with ‘Frankengames’, games that really weren’t meant for a certain platform,” added Spencer. “And because some suit said, ‘Hey, everything’s gotta run on both platforms’, you end up with something people don’t want.

“You should expect it when franchises look like they belong on both platforms, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s a mandate for the studios because it’s not.”

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/03/31/xbox-head-phil-spencer-on-why-you-wont-see-halo-5-on-pc/feed/0343 reveals more of what’s coming in Halo 5’s Ghosts of Meridian updatehttp://www.vg247.com/2016/03/28/halo-5-ghosts-of-meridian-update-more-details/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/03/28/halo-5-ghosts-of-meridian-update-more-details/#respondMon, 28 Mar 2016 19:52:00 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=576012Take a peek at some of the free content coming to Halo 5 with the release of the Ghosts of Meridian update soon.

In the most recent community update, Halo 5: Guardians developer 343 shared even more details about Ghosts of Meridian, the free content update coming to the game in April.

There’s currently no release date for Ghosts of Meridian, but we’re expecting it early in April. The full list of content will be probably also be revealed later this week.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/03/28/halo-5-ghosts-of-meridian-update-more-details/feed/0Halo 5’s Ghosts of Meridian Warzone map teased, playlist consolidations on the wayhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/03/12/halo-5s-ghosts-of-meridian-warzone-map-teased-playlist-consolidations-on-the-way/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/03/12/halo-5s-ghosts-of-meridian-warzone-map-teased-playlist-consolidations-on-the-way/#respondSat, 12 Mar 2016 20:44:39 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=574008The next Halo 5 content drop, Ghosts of Meridian, is coming in early April and 343 Industries has provided a quick look at the new Warzone map along with bit of information on community created maps being added to matchmaking.

Ghosts of Meridan will include new weapons, weapon skins, helmets, armor, assassinations, emblems, vehicles, and the new Warzone map Skirmish at Darkstar.

The map find players battling each other in an area scattered with elements of colonial reclamation. It contains a variety of “unique sightlines, flank routes, and cover pieces.

Concept art of the map is posted below along with a look at the Hannibal Mantis which will also drop with Ghosts of Meridian.

343 also said in the latest Halo 5 blog post that the Community Team has been working with Forgers on “collecting, playtesting, and refining” community maps.

Since some of the maps need tweaking before being released to general players, work is ongoing. However, Community BTB and Grifball maps have “officially been handed off to internal teams” for final playtesting from multiplayer designers and full map test passes.

“If maps need further changes, we’ll work with the Forgers directly on them, and the maps that are good to go will be slotted into future matchmaking updates,” reads the post. “We’ll continue to keep you updated on this.”

Finally, the team has been monitoring MCC playlist and population data and is preparing to make adjustments and playlist consolidations in order to help players find matches faster. Changes to the backend to improve the speed matches are formed are being applied along with some playlist parameter adjustments.

Changes are also being made to the seven playlists by “widening the search range,” and since Team Hardcore is the least populated playlist, the development team will be “opening up the playlist rules” to allow players of “nearly all skill levels” to match with each other.

Playlist consolidations will be applied to a small number of playlists and “rotating existing experiences.”

The first consolidation will see the removal of Rumble Pit, which 343 said was the least popular playlist, and others will be moved to a rotating, regularly updated calendar.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/03/12/halo-5s-ghosts-of-meridian-warzone-map-teased-playlist-consolidations-on-the-way/feed/0Permanent Social Playlist added to Halo 5, first look at Arena map Torquehttp://www.vg247.com/2016/02/20/permanent-social-playlist-added-to-halo-5-first-look-at-arena-map-torque/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/02/20/permanent-social-playlist-added-to-halo-5-first-look-at-arena-map-torque/#respondSat, 20 Feb 2016 20:48:11 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=570928Halo 5: Guardians players will be pleased to know a permanent social playlist has been added to the shooter.

343 Industries said in the latest update on Halo Waypoint the Social Playlist in Multiplayer Arena will feature “a variety of offerings,” such as single game mode, variety lists, new game types, community playlists and more.

As noted last week, Social CTF is the featured mode at present and the team will be keeping an eye on player’s matchmaking feedback regarding the new playlists.

If you head through the link you’ll also be provided with more information on the Torque map. The new symmetrical Arena map is coming with the Hammer Storm update later this month and it’s the screenshot you see above.

Last week 343 touched briefly upon the new REQs coming with the update, and more were revealed overnight.

Finally, the team will show off some of the Hammer Storm update on Tuesday, February 23 through a livestream on Twitch. Tune in at 3pm PT/7pm ET/12am UK and you’ll be treated with a look at game types, an Arena map debut, REQs, and more.

A release date for Hammer Storm update hasn’t been provided, but the Halo 5 livestream may reveal when to expect it. Ya never know.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/02/20/permanent-social-playlist-added-to-halo-5-first-look-at-arena-map-torque/feed/0Halo 5’s Double Date weekend playlist is in effect, more on the Feb. updatehttp://www.vg247.com/2016/02/13/halo-5s-double-date-weekend-playlist-is-in-effect-more-on-the-feb-update/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/02/13/halo-5s-double-date-weekend-playlist-is-in-effect-more-on-the-feb-update/#respondSat, 13 Feb 2016 21:40:22 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=569950If you have yet to fire Halo 5: Guardians up this weekend, you may want to do so before tomorrow.

Now through the Valentine’s Day weekend, players can participate in the Double Date playlist. It all started yesterday. Apologies for just now noticing.

The playlist this weekend is 2v2 Social Slayer on Breakout maps decked out with custom-themes and colors. The geometry and weapon placement has been modified and the Halo 2 Battle Rifle will be available on the map – so use it to score 30 Kills and win.

Starting with Social CTF next week, the playlist will offer an “additional experience throughout the week” and will provide a “test bed” for new playlists. Don’t worry: the weekend playlists won’t vanish, so expect limited-time special playlists “here and there.”

Elsewhere in the update on Halo Waypoint, 343 revealed a bit more on what’s coming with the Hammer Storm later this month. The team touches a bit more on the new modes Assault and Grifball, Fiesta Slayer and the ability to create game types like Oddball and Ricochet.

The Hammer Storm update will also include game improvements across Forge and the UI, fixes for player warping and game de-sync will be applied, and you can expect an expanded armor and Emblems color pallet.

So in February, be prepared for new weapons, new modes, a new map, new colors, new REQs, new game updates and other stuff which has the word new in front of it.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/02/13/halo-5s-double-date-weekend-playlist-is-in-effect-more-on-the-feb-update/feed/0Halo 5, The Witcher 3, Game of Thrones collectibles coming soon from Dark Horsehttp://www.vg247.com/2016/02/12/halo-5-the-witcher-3-game-of-thrones-dark-horse/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/02/12/halo-5-the-witcher-3-game-of-thrones-dark-horse/#respondFri, 12 Feb 2016 20:33:29 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=569890Dark Horse will be offering collector’s a chance to get their hands on new replica ships based on Halo 5 and a really handsome Geralt figurine.

Halo 5: Guardians fans can purchase one of three polyresin six-inch ship replicas sometime this summer.

The first to be released will be the stealth UNSC Prowler, followed by the Covenant Banshee and the first Forerunner vehicle in the line, the Phaeton.

In May, a replica of the UNSC Pillar of Autumn will be made available and if you’re more into reading stead of collecting, the graphic novel Halo: Fall of Reach will be released in spring 2016.

Dark Horse will also introduce a high-end product line based on The Witcher debuting this fall. The items will span statues, busts, and action figures. Also on offer will be prop and jewelry replicas along with barware, stationery, and other collectibles.

Figures of Geralt, Ciri, Yen, and others are also in the works. Gerlat, Triss, and Yennefer will be first out and by Ciri and the Wild Hunt King, Eredin will follow.

Each will be designed to the character’s likeness, custom painted, and displayed in deluxe window box packaging for $29.99.

Finally, if your fan of the Game of Thrones franchise, Dark Horse will release an 8-inch figurine of Night King, the leader of the White Walkers. The scary fell is the 24th figure in the series and is slated for in-store release in September for $24.99.

Here are some other Game of Thrones figures coming this fall: Ygritte, Margaery Tyrell, Oberyn Martell, Grey Worm, and Varys.

Halo 5 launched with microtransactions from day one. Developer 343 said it’s because of this it’ll be able to provide a constant stream of new content post-launch, for free.

It seems the number of items you can spend real money on in the game is increasing. 343 announced a new type REQ bundle that costs $25. The bundle will be available starting February 16 – and, for now, it will primarily focus on Arena variants.

Similar to the Warzone bundle from launch, this bundle grants you two Premium packs per week for seven weeks, for a total of 14 packs. Expect to find only cosmetic upgrades, which are randomised and include armour, visors, weapon skins, and more. In addition, the packs have a greater chance of including some of the rarest REQs.

The only thing you’re guaranteed to get is the full Mark V Alpha set, which is Master Chief’s classic Combat Evolved look. Also similar to the Warzone bundle, it can only be purchased once per account.

Halo 5 developer 343 Industries has decreased the REQ cost of a number of weapons in the Warzone mode.

In Warzone, you get access to new weapons as the match progresses and the team’s overall REQ level increases, as well as yours. Previously, some power weapons or rare ones were out of reach for the majority of rounds’ runtime. The new update, which was deployed recently to all servers, lowers the REQ cost for different weapon types.

Xbox Live user CaptainDireWolf is the author of a new Halo 5 Forge map that recreates the famous podracing scenes from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The expertly-made map is called The Boonta Eve, which is the name of the tournament in the film.

As of the time of writing, there’s no way to determine winners from losers. However, there are plenty of other notable details. Firstly, CaptainDireWolf did a great job recreating the pods using in-game assets. Dying spawns you in a cage up near the stands to shoot your opponents.

The design of the pods themselves is also excellent, and they even have the beams holding the pieces together.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/02/04/halo-5-forge-map-brings-star-wars-podracing-to-the-masses/feed/0Take half off the Halo 5: Limited Collector’s Edition in the UKhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/01/28/take-half-off-the-halo-5-limited-collectors-edition-in-the-uk/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/01/28/take-half-off-the-halo-5-limited-collectors-edition-in-the-uk/#respondThu, 28 Jan 2016 14:13:13 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=567020If you’ve been holding out on purchasing Halo 5: Guardians, maybe these discounts will make you whip out that credit card.

Over on the Microsoft Store, you can grab the standard version of Halo 5 for £15 off (33%) at £29.99 until February 2.

The better deal, if you’re into extras, is the Limited Edition for £34.99 which is 56% off the regular price of £79.99. The discount runs through February 9.

If you are into collectibles, the Halo 5: Guardians Limited Collector’s Edition is half off the regular price of £199.99. This means you can have it for £99.99. The discount runs through February 9.

As detailed back in October, it contains the Limited Edition content, digital copy of the game, a statue of Master Chief and Spartan Locke, Halo: The Fall of Reach animated series, a 14-day trial of Xbox Live Gold and more.